As India's selection panel sat down to pick the squad for the Champions Trophy on Saturday, they had to first decide whether to consider the Champions Trophy a marquee event, or treat it as the start of preparations for the 2015 World Cup. Going by their sweeping changes, it is clear that they have their eyes fixed on 2015, rather than attaching too much importance to what could well be the last edition of the Champions Trophy.

If Ajinkya Rahane had to be dropped for not living up to expectations with the bat in the limited opportunities he got last season, so did Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir. While Yuvraj tallied 160 runs in eight innings against England and Pakistan, Gambhir totalled just one run more. The selectors decided to replace all three. Cheteshwar Pujara, who is recovering from a fractured finger, was going to miss out as the selectors want him fully fit for the India A tour to South Africa towards the end of July.

Shikhar Dhawan was a certainty to come in at the top of the order. Once Manoj Tiwary was unavailable, having injured himself during the IPL, there was no better choice than Dinesh Karthik in the middle order. Not only has the Tamil Nadu batsman been in superlative form during the IPL but he also provides the option of a back-up wicketkeeper. Not at all a like-for-like replacement for Yuvraj, but given the circumstances, Karthik deserved yet another chance to prove his mettle at the highest level.

The most contentious selections in the squad are M Vijay and Amit Mishra. Vijay's selection draws parallels with that of Wasim Jaffer for the ODIs in South Africa in 2006, that of a Test opener being given a chance in ODIs purely on the basis of his technique. But ESPNcricinfo understands that the selectors haven't just gone by Vijay's good form during the Test series against Australia. It was pointed out that Vijay's "run spree" in the Challenger Trophy and in the warm-up one-dayer against England went in his favour.

Agreed, Vijay's 76 against England came in somewhat trying circumstances at the Palam ground in New Delhi. But it's rather baffling if his Challenger Trophy fifty and 155 - against attacks including Ishant Sharma, Abhimanyu Mithun, Pragyan Ojha and Parvinder Awana - are yardsticks for Champions Trophy selection. After all, the Challenger Trophy was played in Rajkot, the flattest deck in India. The Champions Trophy, on the other hand, will be played in England, that too in the first half of the summer, where the conditions won't be anywhere similar to what they were in Rajkot last October.

As far as Mishra's selection goes, once again it is baffling to see three spinners in the squad for an event in England in June. No doubt Mishra is spinning his web around the batsmen during the IPL. But the fact that the team management did not give Mishra a single game during the five ODIs at home against England cannot be ignored. The selectors, though, feel that a wrist spinner may be better off in English conditions, especially given the fact that there aren't many on the international scene.

Fair enough. But the team management is still likely to back Ravindra Jadeja as the second spinner in the XI, and the selectors have given them the option of Irfan Pathan for the allrounder's slot. So where does that leave Mishra? Serving drinks, more often than not, we suppose.

As for the bowling line-up, as expected, Umesh Yadav and Vinay Kumar have come in for Ashok Dinda and Shami Ahmed. But instead of replacing Mishra with Pathan, the selectors have chosen to get Pathan in place of Rahane.

Rahane, the selectors felt, would affect the balance of the squad. With three openers, four middle-order batsmen including two wicketkeepers, three spinners including an allrounder and five pace bowlers, have Sandeep Patil and Co got the balance right this time around? Your call.

Pretty happy with the team selectors have picked for the Champions Trophy. I thought Praveen Kumar had a good chance of making it.He is someone who swings the ball and in English conditions he would have been very handy.Also he was India's best bowler when we were in England almost two years back.It would have been a real treat to watch Praveen and Bhuvneshwar bowl in tandem in England.Dropping Yuvraj and Gambhir was the right decision, Yuvi hasn't done much in one day cricket for India since his comeback.Gambhir has been in woeful form even in the IPL. Happy at the inclusion of DK as well.Sandeep Patil and Co have done a good job, taken the brave call of dropping experienced senior players and giving someone else a chance.Well done!

rdr_1019
on May 4, 2013, 12:34 GMT

I don't think so. Vijay would never be a replacement for Yuvraj, Gambhir, or Rahane. Good team except for the selectors dropping Yuvraj. They should have kept Yuvi in middle order and let Karthik open along with Dhawan. Looking at IPL, Karthik has been batting at No. 3 and he has done superb so far. My XI would have been: Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Irfan Pathan, R Ashwin, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, and Umesh Yadav. Since Yuvi is not there, I still hope India don't play Vijay and opt for Rohit Sharma in the middle order instead.

on May 11, 2013, 0:56 GMT

Great team... The only question is 3 Spinners, a medium pace all rounder like Praveen Kumar would have been more suited for English conditions....

on May 10, 2013, 21:19 GMT

This team is not going to perform in Champions Trophy. I do not understand why there is lot of partiality while selecting the team. I strongly disagree with selectors picked Vijay when there a player like Pujara,Rahane, Sanju Samson, Bisla and many other are performing better than Vijay. Atleast should have given chance to Ganbhir. I strongly feel that the selectors are picking CSK team players irrespective of performance.. Lets wait and see ??

Abhishekorbanerjee
on May 10, 2013, 12:26 GMT

1st of all they should pick Praveen Kumer and Yuvraj Sing. We will miss them in England....I promise.

Playing XI should be........ 1. Dhawan 2. Karthik 3. Kohli 4. Sharma 5. Dhoni 6. Raina/Jadeja 7. Ashwin 8. Pathan 9. Ishan Sarma 10. Bhuvneshwar 11. Yadav/Binai Kumer for England condition. There ball will be move. So need to strong bowling side. And go with 6-5 combination with one All rounder. If you have 5 front line bowler; 4 pacer and one spinner then we can go for Raina instead of Jadeja. Raina can deliver 3-4 over to his captain.

CricketAkshay
on May 9, 2013, 6:05 GMT

I think they have selected decent squad for the Champions Trophy. But Vijay's performance will be under scrutiny as he hasn't performed very well on bouncy wickets. On India's tour of South Africa in 2010, Vijay manged a mere 17 runs from three ODI matches. He wasn't comfortable against short-balls. Also, Mishra's pick makes perfect sense as he can be versatile bowler in the middle overs. Even I would have loved to see Praveen in England. Bhuvi and Praveen's combination could pose problems for SA. Dhoni has very tough task in death overs. Irfan and Praveen could be useful as their variations become significant. Hopefully, batting will click for India and they win the CT

TheOnlyEmperor
on May 8, 2013, 5:19 GMT

Pujara's exclusion should be the hottest point of debate in the selection for the Champion's Trophy. Apparently his exclusion because of the "finger injury" is a lie. I'm glad, Pujara dispelled that lie when he played for RCB and has declared that he is fully fit. Apparently he is also stunned at his exclusion from the Champion's Trophy!

He is clearly India's best available batting talent and he scores at a brisk pace, much faster than even Vijay and Kohli in the longer formats.
In a place like England, when in the last series, the Indian batsmen struggled to face even 50 balls before getting out in the Tests, 50 overs is a long enough to ensure that there is at least one good capable batsman who can anchor the innings and that man is Pujara.

If Pujara is being kept aside for the A Team's tour for SA, then the selectors have a misplaced priority between the importance of the Champion's Trophy and the A Team! India's best need to be at the Champion's Trophy! Period! Wake up guys!

on May 7, 2013, 22:21 GMT

I think the selection is not well balanced. In English conditions which are seam friendly we need to carry an extra batsmen instead of a bowler. I think we have too many seamers. Vinay Kumar should have been replaced with a specialist batsman. I don't think there will be any opportunity to use him with Ishant, Umesh, Irfan and B. Kumar in the side.

on May 7, 2013, 3:05 GMT

It is good to give youngsters a chance, but not all of them at the same time. Yuvraj and either Gambhir or Sehwag needed to be in this team. You have to have proven match winners there when the dominos start faling. A lot of questionable choices, but is obvious it is Srinivasans team.

Fan1969
on May 6, 2013, 18:44 GMT

Sorry Amol. I disagree.

Mishra is India's only hope against WI, SA in the league and Aus, Eng in Semis/Finals. India has no death bowlers and a very weak bowling attack. Bhuvnesh, Irfan may get some wickets with the new ball but once 20 overs are through, Indian bowlers will just get creamed.

Gambhir has a strong case but Vijay gives better control and comfort in the dressing room to Dhoni. No clash of egos as Dhoni is clearly king and I expect his captaincy will come to the fore with this team rather than Gambhir around.

Yuvi is a match winner but I guess the cancer has taken its toll

on May 5, 2013, 3:01 GMT

Pretty happy with the team selectors have picked for the Champions Trophy. I thought Praveen Kumar had a good chance of making it.He is someone who swings the ball and in English conditions he would have been very handy.Also he was India's best bowler when we were in England almost two years back.It would have been a real treat to watch Praveen and Bhuvneshwar bowl in tandem in England.Dropping Yuvraj and Gambhir was the right decision, Yuvi hasn't done much in one day cricket for India since his comeback.Gambhir has been in woeful form even in the IPL. Happy at the inclusion of DK as well.Sandeep Patil and Co have done a good job, taken the brave call of dropping experienced senior players and giving someone else a chance.Well done!

rdr_1019
on May 4, 2013, 12:34 GMT

I don't think so. Vijay would never be a replacement for Yuvraj, Gambhir, or Rahane. Good team except for the selectors dropping Yuvraj. They should have kept Yuvi in middle order and let Karthik open along with Dhawan. Looking at IPL, Karthik has been batting at No. 3 and he has done superb so far. My XI would have been: Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Irfan Pathan, R Ashwin, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, and Umesh Yadav. Since Yuvi is not there, I still hope India don't play Vijay and opt for Rohit Sharma in the middle order instead.

on May 11, 2013, 0:56 GMT

Great team... The only question is 3 Spinners, a medium pace all rounder like Praveen Kumar would have been more suited for English conditions....

on May 10, 2013, 21:19 GMT

This team is not going to perform in Champions Trophy. I do not understand why there is lot of partiality while selecting the team. I strongly disagree with selectors picked Vijay when there a player like Pujara,Rahane, Sanju Samson, Bisla and many other are performing better than Vijay. Atleast should have given chance to Ganbhir. I strongly feel that the selectors are picking CSK team players irrespective of performance.. Lets wait and see ??

Abhishekorbanerjee
on May 10, 2013, 12:26 GMT

1st of all they should pick Praveen Kumer and Yuvraj Sing. We will miss them in England....I promise.

Playing XI should be........ 1. Dhawan 2. Karthik 3. Kohli 4. Sharma 5. Dhoni 6. Raina/Jadeja 7. Ashwin 8. Pathan 9. Ishan Sarma 10. Bhuvneshwar 11. Yadav/Binai Kumer for England condition. There ball will be move. So need to strong bowling side. And go with 6-5 combination with one All rounder. If you have 5 front line bowler; 4 pacer and one spinner then we can go for Raina instead of Jadeja. Raina can deliver 3-4 over to his captain.

CricketAkshay
on May 9, 2013, 6:05 GMT

I think they have selected decent squad for the Champions Trophy. But Vijay's performance will be under scrutiny as he hasn't performed very well on bouncy wickets. On India's tour of South Africa in 2010, Vijay manged a mere 17 runs from three ODI matches. He wasn't comfortable against short-balls. Also, Mishra's pick makes perfect sense as he can be versatile bowler in the middle overs. Even I would have loved to see Praveen in England. Bhuvi and Praveen's combination could pose problems for SA. Dhoni has very tough task in death overs. Irfan and Praveen could be useful as their variations become significant. Hopefully, batting will click for India and they win the CT

TheOnlyEmperor
on May 8, 2013, 5:19 GMT

Pujara's exclusion should be the hottest point of debate in the selection for the Champion's Trophy. Apparently his exclusion because of the "finger injury" is a lie. I'm glad, Pujara dispelled that lie when he played for RCB and has declared that he is fully fit. Apparently he is also stunned at his exclusion from the Champion's Trophy!

He is clearly India's best available batting talent and he scores at a brisk pace, much faster than even Vijay and Kohli in the longer formats.
In a place like England, when in the last series, the Indian batsmen struggled to face even 50 balls before getting out in the Tests, 50 overs is a long enough to ensure that there is at least one good capable batsman who can anchor the innings and that man is Pujara.

If Pujara is being kept aside for the A Team's tour for SA, then the selectors have a misplaced priority between the importance of the Champion's Trophy and the A Team! India's best need to be at the Champion's Trophy! Period! Wake up guys!

on May 7, 2013, 22:21 GMT

I think the selection is not well balanced. In English conditions which are seam friendly we need to carry an extra batsmen instead of a bowler. I think we have too many seamers. Vinay Kumar should have been replaced with a specialist batsman. I don't think there will be any opportunity to use him with Ishant, Umesh, Irfan and B. Kumar in the side.

on May 7, 2013, 3:05 GMT

It is good to give youngsters a chance, but not all of them at the same time. Yuvraj and either Gambhir or Sehwag needed to be in this team. You have to have proven match winners there when the dominos start faling. A lot of questionable choices, but is obvious it is Srinivasans team.

Fan1969
on May 6, 2013, 18:44 GMT

Sorry Amol. I disagree.

Mishra is India's only hope against WI, SA in the league and Aus, Eng in Semis/Finals. India has no death bowlers and a very weak bowling attack. Bhuvnesh, Irfan may get some wickets with the new ball but once 20 overs are through, Indian bowlers will just get creamed.

Gambhir has a strong case but Vijay gives better control and comfort in the dressing room to Dhoni. No clash of egos as Dhoni is clearly king and I expect his captaincy will come to the fore with this team rather than Gambhir around.

Yuvi is a match winner but I guess the cancer has taken its toll

pravineswar
on May 6, 2013, 10:14 GMT

To me, it is overall, a very good selection barring Rohit & Mishra. I can understand Vijay selection from selector's perspective. I dont think Vijay selection was based on Challenger's trophy it was an eye on SA tour. We all know India do not have test match still SA and our opener's experience is 1 test match together. Also, we must accept Vijay evolved in his short career. No1 expected him to be T20 sensation after his Test debut, he reinvented and again no1 gave him a chance against Aussie quicks after 1st test, again he showed his maturity. Am glad Vijay has not performed for CSK this year and wish he is dropped from IPL to concentrate on Champions trophy. If he fails, we have time to go back to senior for SA tour. It is big risk to expose Vijay directly in SA against world class bowlers.
Rahane should be there for Rohit, he deserve least half number of chances as Rohit.
Mishra, i agree with author's views...

TheOnlyEmperor
on May 6, 2013, 9:21 GMT

This is how you select the Indian team....
Let's start with the bowlers:
India needs B Kumar who can swing and Praveen too who can swing. Umesh has to be the pace guy. Ashwin and Ojha for spin and Jadeja the allrounder when one of the bowlers will invariably have an off day. Dhoni at the wickets, so that makes it 7.
So we need 4 solid batsmen. D Karthik has performed earlier in England, so he is in along with Shikar as openers. Raina and Kohli are the next 2 batsman in . Rohit will be the replacement mid-way through the tournament in case one of the batsmen fail miserably. With a batting line up that cannot face the moving ball ( as was seen in the last Eng trip) you would have to take 5 proper bowlers ( as was seen in the last Eng trip when the 3 proper bowlers struggled to take wickets). Vijay is a no-no in Eng! As also Mishra and Ishant! If Pujara is fit, even somewhat, then he needs to be played FOR SURE at No 3! The A Team tour to SA cannot be priority over the Champions Trophy!

Kapeel
on May 6, 2013, 8:50 GMT

My playing XI would be 1. Dhawan 2. Karthik 3. Kohli 4. Sharma 5. Dhoni 6. Raina 7. Jadeja 8. Pathan 9. Ashwin 10. Bhuvneshwar 11. Yadav
The only problem with this team is death bowling. Pathan and Bhuvi are very good new bowl bowlwers but only Yadav as a death bowler is a risk as runs can be leaked from other end. So, at some stages, I would prefer to play Vinay instead of Pathan.

on May 6, 2013, 8:27 GMT

good team, but vijay as opener is still unconvincing, bcos he's got so high back lift & is either caught or edges on to his stumps. ditto rahane. both r unconvincing under pressure. rahane always keeps looking up as if he's either begging or thanking god. only players with winning attitude are virat & rohit. they always back themselves, esp rohit who despite severe criticism irt his place keeps playing with the flow of d game. no doubt god has been kind 2 him.

CricketMaan
on May 6, 2013, 7:40 GMT

Rahane's problem with inswing agaisnt Finn & co and the way he crumbled in his debut Test must have gone against him. There aren't many openers queing up as Unmukt, Mukund are not yet established even at domestic leve. GG lost not coz of form but attitude. His success has gone into his head and I think the fact he was ignored for MOM in that WC final has caused crack in his relationship with MSD. Add to that comment down under when he disagreed with MSD taking matched till end. A Mandeep Singh or Uttappa could be thought of, but IPL should not be the criteria. Unless Rohit or Tiwary make that opening slot for themselves the pipeline is bare.

on May 6, 2013, 3:58 GMT

Well done, Sandeep Patil & Co. Its a clear message to senior players that form does matters not the reputation.I think This team will do very well in CT as due to the exposure created by the BCCI by arranging India 'A' tours to England,westindies etc... i am sure the players who are selected here certainly do well. Cheteshwar pujara would have revelled as he had a wonderful series for India 'A' against England lions. But it is unfortunate for him being on the injured list. My XI would be : Dhawan,Rohit,Kohli,Dinesh Karthik,Raina,Dhoni, Pathan,Ashwin,Ishant,Bhuvneshwar & Umesh. I guess with Pathan expected to perform well in favouring English conditions, he is selected instead of Jadeja.

Aurovillian
on May 6, 2013, 3:46 GMT

it only takes a few minutes of watching Rahane bat to see that he is a batsman in the classical mould and it is wonderful to see him and Dravid bat together, as it is also to watch Wasim Jaffar and Rahane bat together. Besides he and Dravid were the only batsment to acquit themselves well in England. It is a tragedy that such a batsman cannot be given an extended run in the Indian team. For Mr. Sunderarajan's benefit, this has nothing to do with where I come from but everything to do with appreciating good cricket. Meanwhile I am waiting to see Armaan Jaffar on TV. More than a year ago I read about his promise in The Times (of London). I hope he will turn out to be in the great classical tradition of Merchant, Gavaskar, Dravid etc..

YesKayR
on May 6, 2013, 3:25 GMT

Shami Ahmed bowled well against England. also clocked 140 kmph quite consistently. he should have been there instead of Irfan Pathan. Also Ajinkya rahane cud have been picked instead of Vijay. Other wise looks OK.

Kazimabidi
on May 6, 2013, 1:54 GMT

Praveen Kumar's omission from the squad is most baffling. He is one bowler who troubled English Batsmen when India last toured England. Vinay Kumar ahead of him, No way. Or at least one spinner should have been dropped.

Tom1m
on May 5, 2013, 12:58 GMT

Murali Vijay is the only Indian to score 2 IPL centuries. Besides having the technique and temperment for Test cricket, Viijay can be an excellent limited player as well. I am glad that he hasbeen given another chance.

sir_viv
on May 5, 2013, 11:26 GMT

With all due respect to Yuvraj, Rahane, Gambhir and Mishra the selection that baffles me the most is that of Vinay Kumar. C'mon Mr.Patil - do we have no one else. Shami Ahmed, Ashok Dinda, Awana did no one cross your mind? If Dhawan and Vijay opens it will offer some idea how they shape up outside the sub continent with the South African series coming up. The middle order looks promising Kohli, Raina, Rohit Sharma, Dhoni backed up by Jadeja and Irfan. The core of the side for 2015 World Cup is already evident. Only 4 members retained from that of 2011 team. There is still time for Yuvraj, Pujara and Rahane for the World Cup. Now all we need is for some bowlers! Aaron where are you?

on May 5, 2013, 10:58 GMT

Rahane was the lone performer in England along with Rahul Dravid in 2011. People really expect Raina, vijay and Jadeja to perform? :o

Amar_Thakur
on May 5, 2013, 10:42 GMT

Yes, Surprised the selection of Vijay. Vijay does not deserve to be there on the basis of his form either in IPL or in the Limited Over format. Yes he is a dedicated Test Player, no doubt. Axing Yuvraj & Gambhir is a right move, if you don't perform you will have to sit out. Persisting with Rohit Sharma is good but not fair enough. He the most talented player in modern cricket but never do justice with his talent. but his current form in IPL & one day series against England give him a chance. Axing Rahane is not a good move that too Vijay's cost. That seems that if You play for CSK you are going to make into National Team :-). Happy to see Karthik back in the side expecting him to open the inning with Dhwan. Inclusion of Pathan give balance to team. Umesh & Vinay along with Ishant & Bhuvi make the side formidable. My XI is Dhawan, Karthik, Kohli, Rohit, Raina, Dhoni, Jadeja, Pathan, Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar, Ishant/Umesh. Rahane should be there but not Vijay. However team is balanced.:-)

on May 5, 2013, 10:02 GMT

what a nice selection for Cham trophy, rohit sharma, dinesh karthik, vijay. i dont know why still selectors giving chance to Rohit sharma. the aforesaid players are only eligible for domestic level only not fit for international. all are good only in ipl and ranji season, even vijay is not performing in ipl also he was dropped from playing 11 for the past four matches. So this is unfair giving chances to underperforming players in national team. As a indian fan i am totally disappointed and i dont know how they are going to play in england for champ trophy. Selectors please think before selecting the underperforming guys into the national team. So my comments on this selction is very unbalanceable and not a good team to be in England.

bonddb
on May 5, 2013, 9:45 GMT

Murli Vijaya is selected becaz of Mr. Dhoni. He is selecting CSK players. I don't know on what basis he is the team.

Sundararajan
on May 5, 2013, 9:40 GMT

"The Champions Trophy, on the other hand, will be played in England, that too in the first half of the summer, where the conditions won't be anywhere similar to what they were in Rajkot last October." Agreed. Unfortunately for you, your own argument is actually in favour of Vijay. Vijay is the designated test opener, so doesn't that make it even more of a right decision to select him, because Eng conditions will favour swing and seam? Here's the thing Amol. From your last name you are probably a Mumbaikar. so obviously wanted Rahane in there. So you are peeved that Vijay got selected.. You never questioned Rohit Sharma's selection did you, even though he has proved enough number of times that he is not worthy of international selection. Thats all there is to it. mumbai always has had a powerful lobby in Indian cricket and they don't want to relinquish it. Vijay is a better selection than Rohit. Either way, I support the Indian team and may they win the CT..

rkannancrown
on May 5, 2013, 9:20 GMT

The biggest issue is the selection of Rohit Sharma. He has been given a million chances and failed. His talent is clear but his temperament, especially when the ball is moving, is highly suspect. One pities for Rahane as he can bat and deserves a decent run. Tiwari's omission is surprising given his performance in the limited opportunities provided. Gambhir desrved to be left out and the technique of Vijay & Dhawan will be tested in England. Kathik succeded as an opener, in England & SA, in 2006 & 2007. He shold be the first choice for this role

on May 5, 2013, 9:19 GMT

What is so wrong of vijays selection? Was not Rohit Sharma given infinite chances at the cost of in form Badri and he still continues to be just the potential talent, not proved as yet.There is so much of North - south Bias and no cricketing reason or analysis by the author! Common guys, give a proper chance and build the team rather than quibbling. Yuvi is a spent force and has fitness problems, besides his reflex going weak. he has to sort this out now.

on May 5, 2013, 9:01 GMT

Very good selection...except Pragyan Ojha mising in the squad.

on May 5, 2013, 9:00 GMT

i am worried we dont have a quality bowling line up still even in this line up for seaming conditions.

sharidas
on May 5, 2013, 8:42 GMT

Interesting in the way the author sows doubts for the readers. But what is his real suggestion ? If he really had better options, I think he should have stated that.

tamrafi
on May 5, 2013, 8:22 GMT

We are just forgetting that some of our all time greats started their career at a young age. We should always have at least 2 under 19 cricketers in the playing eleven. How are we going to groom them for international cricket unless we provide them the platform? Yes, there will be failures, but we have enough talent to replace. For example, Sanju Samson is playing very well against top bowlers in the world and we don't expect better opponents in Champions trophy.

Our team composition should be like this. 4 senior members based on experience in English conditions. 6 members based on current form and class, 2 members based on track record against the opponents, 3 members from the under 19 pool.

Rajeshj
on May 5, 2013, 6:34 GMT

Pretty much less-logical arguments given by the author.. If Dhawan's one innings against a mentally/physically depleted Aussie line-up was great, than Vijay's knocks in the previous matches were far superior against a fresh/quality attack.. To remind everyone, Vijay was man of series in Champion's League in South Africa and he got those runs on pretty difficult pitches.. About his ability to score quick runs, he is the only Indian to score 2 centuries in IPL in these 5 years.. He needs time to mature and when he is showing form he needs to be encouraged.. Sad to see people wanting to go back to Gambhir for opening, who has been miserable recently... And, Rahane, excepting last IPL and in England (when their bowlers were damn TIRED after inflicting 4-0 defeats to us in tests) has nothing to show till date.. he needs more time to mature just like how Vijay spent all these years in wilderness, when Viru/Gambhir were openers inspite of sub-standard performances...

on May 5, 2013, 6:13 GMT

I don't agree with Karhadkar's argument about Challenger trophy not being the yardstick. But Murli Vijay's selection will raise some questions given that his indifferent form in IPL team. Another baffling thing is that they opted to drop Yuvraj. He is someone who can raise his game and is a proven match winner with both bat and ball. I don't agree with some stupid comments here on D Karthik who played well in SA against an attack consisting of Steyn, Morne Morkel , Kallis. So there should be no questions about his ability to play in alien conditions. Raina and Rohit sharma's selection can also be quesitoned that way because on bouncy tracks both are yet to prove themselves.

GRVJPR
on May 5, 2013, 6:07 GMT

@KiwiRocker Which dark age are you talking about? If Situation is so bad then how come India is ranked no 1 by ICC in ODI at the moment. As far as the bowlere you mentioned likes of steyn, gul, ajmal etc the can keep licking their lips. In big tournament its performance is what matter the most not how you lick your lips.

Jk.Khare
on May 5, 2013, 5:56 GMT

Totally agree with the author on selection of Mishra and Vijay.

I would have definitely gone for Yuvi instead of Vijay. IPL should not be a yardstick for selection in a marquee tournament like Champions Trophy. Yuvraj Singh has always been one of the mos under performing players in IPL history. We always talk about players fatigue and importance of giving players the rest. Already players like Dhoni, Kohli, Ashwin plays every single international match and now players like Bhuvneshwar, Dhawan, Umesh Yadav, Jadeja, Vijay and Ishant will soon join the list. Most of the players in this team are going to feature in T20 and Tests too.

Overall selectors have done a very good job. They have gone for current form rather than the reputation. I don't remember if it has happened in India before. Hope Champions trophy marks are beginning of a new era in India cricket..

KiwiRocker-
on May 5, 2013, 5:08 GMT

There are several issues with Indian selection.This selection may have sealed India's fate even before tournament started. Murali Vijay has nothing to show for performances in England or other than IPL. However if IPL was criteria then why not pick Harbhajan as he is stand out spinner in IPL? This selection takes India back to dark days of 90's. Tried, tested and failed players like, Rohit Sharma, Karthik and Pathan are given enough chances. What wrong Chand and likes of Tiwary have comitted? Irfan Pathan is a mediocre bowler whose batting does not really make him an all rounder. What usage Jaedja will have in England? Suresh Raina was an epic failure in last English tour and was painful watching him. Why is Yuvraj dropped but not Raina. Yuvraj is a better batsman, far better bowler and superb fielder than likes of Karthtik,Raina,Vijay and etc.Indian bowling has Yadev who runs fast and bowls nothing special.Steyn, Ajmal, Junaid Khan,m.Irfan will be licking their lips at Indian line up!

on May 5, 2013, 5:08 GMT

author contradicts big time. He says Vijay scored runs in flat tracks and in another sentence he says Vijay's selection is similar to Jaffer's selection i.e. a test opener is given chance in ODIs. If Eng conditions are going to be tough, isn't it better if a test opener is given the chance than a slam bang one. After all Vijay is going to be one of our first choice openers for SA later this year, then why not to Eng ?

dhana35
on May 5, 2013, 4:51 GMT

i am sure vijay will shine if he is very quick to adopt 3 format of the game

on May 5, 2013, 4:50 GMT

Dropping Yuvi, Gambhir,Rahane, Pujara, and they being replaced by Rohit, Vijay.... not sure on what basis they were selected... dhawan and karthick seem to be in good nick hope they continue.
1) they could have retained rahane or pujara in place of Mvijay, rohit
2) Rohit sharma time and again he is a IPL player... and clearly stats show that
3) I might be wrong.. in my understanding Getting CSK in indian team seems to be a tradition.
4) Happy to see Amit mishra, Umesh yadav back in the team...
Very soon when we travel to South Africa we will see who is better player and who are sir....Hope they send the same team......

on May 5, 2013, 3:26 GMT

why selectors selected team best on IPL performances?

pvwadekar
on May 5, 2013, 3:03 GMT

Very Good selection. Gambir,Viru,Yuvi performed pathetically and need to be dropped, so Dhawan and Vijay are proper openers to play two white balls. Mishra is definitely a better spinner than Bhajji + leg spinner is always good for Australian conditions, so they have kept an eye on 2015 World Cup, which is good..Middle order selects itself .. a combo of Kohli,Rohit,Dhoni,Raina.Perhaps they needed extra keeper, for an important tournament,so selected in-form Kartik, instead of out-of-form Rahane. Two all rounders Irfan and Jadeja. Only strange selection is Vinay Kumar, perhaps more experienced than Shammi for an important tournament. Overall a good squad selection and some good decision making by the selectors.

Criticalthinking
on May 5, 2013, 2:58 GMT

I don't understand onething, why people say Dhawan is a quality batsman. Dhawan is another over rated player. Dhawan got Just one quick century in test against Australia that brought him these crazy fanz. He (Dhawan) averages just 13 from 5 matches and he has played all the 5 innings. Then on what basis Dhawan selected for Champions trophy. If it is based on the knock against Australia. Then why not Vijay. He got two 150+ scores and one fifty against Australia. Highest run scorer against Australian series. Which is bigger - The person who got a century in an innings or the person who got highest number of runs in a series. Murali Vijay is also one of the reason to achieve 4-0 historic victories against Australia international side.

If Dhawan is selected for that one knock at International arena then Vijay should also be given a chance.

on May 5, 2013, 2:32 GMT

There again seems to be inconsistency in the selection / omission of players.

1. Dinesh Karthik and Amith Mishra make it into the team solely based on the superlative performance in IPL 6 - in conditions that will be nothing like what they will encounter during the Champions Trophy.

2. In the same logic, Vijay shouldn't have made it and there is little evidence to have dropped Gambhir. However, as indicated in the article performance in prior series might have been criteria for selection / omission.

Putting 1&2 together, this does seem to be the end of the road for Sehwag and Gambhir. I would've like to seen Rahane in the place of Amit Mishra and Gambhir being retained instead of Vijay.

The squad otherwise is the best the selectors could've have chosen.

on May 5, 2013, 2:27 GMT

"After all, the Challenger Trophy was played in Rajkot, the flattest deck in India". This is the worst argument the author can come up with against M Vijay. If this is to be applied, then Pujara and R Jadeja should not never get selected since they played most of their matches at Rajkot. I feel for Rahane, he should have been given extended run in ODI team instead of M Vijay.

on May 5, 2013, 2:22 GMT

Picking up vinay kumar is not justified as shami already perfomd well...in place of him they can go with the batsman....in my views followng should be replacmnt

vijay.....rahane
vinay....yuvraj
rohit....rayudu

GRVJPR
on May 5, 2013, 1:58 GMT

@dravidsthebest You are clearly going overboard here. Except for last tour India has always done well in ODI tournaments in england. Too much is being made out of conditions. The ball swings there because of overcast weather. The pitches are actually very flat. That's why we saw england batsmen struggled in ODI series in India where actually our young seamers got more wickets than spinners.

GRVJPR
on May 5, 2013, 1:55 GMT

Can't understand what the writer is trying to suggest here? He is saying that Rajkot century can't be a yardstick for selection for england conditions. Then by the same logic Vijay shouldn't be included in test squad of South Africa as well as conditions would be even more favorable to fast bowlers. I think selectos have done a good job. This way both openers are kept intact which is always a good thing for a young side. Also I won;t be surprised if Murali Vijay has a great tournament. Like to see this writer then.

realfan
on May 5, 2013, 1:52 GMT

i should assume that selectors are planing to send RAHANE, TIWARY, SHAMI along with PUJARA for INDIA A tour to SA to get to know the conditions well and prepare for the test series....
this is the only reason that i can think why RAHANE, TIWARY, SHAMI are not selected.....
otherwise there is no plce for vijay and rohit and ishant in my team..... they are non performers when it comes to playing for india....

on May 5, 2013, 1:49 GMT

Good job! I do not understand the hate against vijay, I mean, he was the highest scorer in the recent tests with two 150+s and another half century against world class seamers (Indian tracks or not) if dhavan can be given a chance based on a single 150+ score, i fail to see how he is different from vijay. They are even the same kind of naturally aggressive batsman. And vj is definately better than a certain rohit, whi has been given more chances to prove himself. if he does not come good in the ct, i think its curtains for his int career. Mishra too, deserves a chance.

on May 5, 2013, 1:20 GMT

I would say, Fare selection. However, one should keep in mind that, Players like Ravindra Jadeja who came good in recent Tests in INDIA, may not work well in England Conditions. Historically ENG pitches are suited for Swing bowlers; So, in those Conditions I would certainly include IRFAN in place of Jadeja.

Next important thing is; Batting. Last time, only Rahul Dravid was able to do something with the bat. That means, in ENG conditions, you better go for Guys with good technique. As far as bowling is concerned, you have got to select your Eleven based on the Opposition, Pitch and Weather conditions.

many of us around here don't care much if we win or lose, all they care is whether their favorite player is selected. I for one don't really care who is the playing eleven as long as we are on the winning side. Good luck team India, go for the gold.

amarnath79
on May 5, 2013, 0:46 GMT

Ashwin in one days is bad news.

chennaicricfan
on May 4, 2013, 23:22 GMT

It is a tragedy that Rahane is sidelined again. I am from chennai. But I definitely feel that Rahane should have replaced Vijay. Otherwise excellent team selection.

kalyanbk
on May 4, 2013, 22:17 GMT

At least Vijay did well in the Australian series and Amit Mishra has been playing well. What have Ishant Sharma and Vinay Kumar done to justify selections? How are they better than Praveen Kumar or even Sreeshant or L Balaji?

TM
on May 4, 2013, 20:52 GMT

Rahane left out, give the man a chance 4 odi's and one test come on selectors! also i hope hes going to A tour with pujara

dopplewanger
on May 4, 2013, 20:51 GMT

This looks the most likely playing XI against the opener of our campaign against south africain the chronological order of battting

now if vijay fails against south africa and west indies then bring karthik for the game with pak.

if vinay kumar doesn't get his rhythm then bring umesh

amit mishra, irfan are two players who are most likely to be just visitors to UK

Anubrata29
on May 4, 2013, 19:57 GMT

Very surprised to see shami ahmed being left out. He bowled very well against the Pakistanis in January. Good ploy to pick Irfan pathan though. Pujara will be missed no doubt. Rahane should have been picked over rohit sharma any day as he has done decent in english conditions in the past. It pains one to see that the ipl is is used as the only yardstick for national selection.

sanket_27
on May 4, 2013, 19:54 GMT

Well exclusion of yuvi is a blunder...Murli vijay selection for ODI is far from understanding when even chennai dropped him from playing eleven. Yuvi has never performed in IPL and so going by IPL form is insane. India is going to pay the price.

kc69
on May 4, 2013, 19:26 GMT

I would have been more happy if Yuvi was included in playing 11.Would have bought more balance to the middle order and spin options rather than going for 2 regular spinners in english conditions.M Vijay plays for BCCI franchise so nobody can argue about his selection.

dravidsthebest
on May 4, 2013, 19:14 GMT

Except kohli and mayb Dinesh Kartik none can handle English pitches.Would be happy even if we score 150 or win against Bangladesh.The selectors have come out with worst combination ever possible for India on English tracks.

on May 4, 2013, 19:14 GMT

People who question Vijay's selection have to first question Rohit sharma's selection. Rohit inspite of all his technique and what nots that he possess has proven a dead duck when he plays for India. Not only in terms of runs but also in intensity, desperation to do well does'nt seem to be there when he plays for the country. Either he lacks the motivation or he puts club above country or he has pathetic temparament which is a very essential quality when you play at the highest level. If Rohit can be selected, so too can be Vijay.

on May 4, 2013, 18:51 GMT

Fair selection. Good to see dhawan and umesh back. Shami should consider himself unlucky and Rohit should consider himself the luckiest. Amit would not be required in England.Good thinking to take Irfan irrespective of his form as he will find England a good place to bowl.We really have a good chance this edition.1spinner and 4pacers should be the final 11.We need to play 5bowlers surely..

on May 4, 2013, 18:34 GMT

Not sure about Vijay who never played good on seaming tracks, which England tracks are. Rahane was very good during his last England tour.
Shami is bit unlucky to be missed out, however Vinay is a good seamer, which is needed more than the pace on seaming tracks.

on May 4, 2013, 18:18 GMT

If selection criteria is on the basis of IPL then its poor one . 1. Rohit Sharma : The legend of IPL never played such innings under Team India. 2. Left out Praveen Kumar .so for ok in IPL and best bowler in seaming condition. 3. shikar dhawan and murali Vijay on basis of performances in Flat tracks . 4. Ishant sharma bowled consistantly only near 130khps in test against Australia , But again in IPL over 140 + ? . Really players do very well in IPL not so much for Country

sweetspot
on May 4, 2013, 17:44 GMT

Anytime you play for CSK you're an automatic target for criticism whenever you're selected. Vijay's show against the Aussies has been excellent, and Shikhar Dhawan too has been measured on that scale. What's wrong with both of them being given the kind of opportunity they are getting as a pair? Yuvi is about 40% fit I think. He is just not moving well in the field, but I suspect he will come back hungry pretty soon. The warrior prince can pull himself up, no problem. This team has plenty of balance, and will put up a good show in England.

CRIC_FAN94
on May 4, 2013, 17:20 GMT

@Atul Balaji Rohith scored more runs than rahane and badrinath and even your karthick in the ranji's and even in the ipl,so i think deserves a place

on May 4, 2013, 16:49 GMT

What's with all the hurt on Vijay and Mishra? I think Shikhar Dhawan is a tad lucky to get selected for the plain reason that he has just proved himself just once and just because he scored at a quick pace against some poor Aussie bowling in an Indian pitch, he isn't supposed to be a shoe-in but he definitely deserves a spot. and I cannot believe how Rohit Sharma keeps getting into the squad! I would prefer prolific domestic run-getters like Rahane and Badrinath over him. and Dinesh Karthik and Vinay Kumar have proved their worth very well in domestic cricket and the IPL.

on May 4, 2013, 16:28 GMT

Not sure about vinay kumar and murali vijay . I would have selected varun aaron if he was available

usernames
on May 4, 2013, 16:26 GMT

I think it's a very good team. I don't really get the outrage against Vijay whenever he gets selected in any format. He isn't clicking in the IPL but after his test exploits, he deserves a go.

I don't Gambhir and Yuvraj are gone for good either. Good performances should be the criterion and I think, to that end, this is a good, well-balanced team. Let's see how they play!

on May 4, 2013, 16:24 GMT

Why crying foul ? Vijay was the leading run scorer in the test series and hence he has been given a go. Simple.. No CSK, No Nepotism,, Wat abt others then .. DK doesnt play for CSK, Amit Mishra also..

on May 4, 2013, 16:21 GMT

@ Indeed CSK is an automatic selection for the Indian team... this leaves no choices but to play Vijay in the XI, as there are no opener options, unless Dhoni decides to end Karthik's career by putting him up there in English conditions.

Shan_Karthic
on May 4, 2013, 16:12 GMT

Why should Rahane be given more chance when similar performer like Badri was not given chances at International level?

on May 4, 2013, 15:53 GMT

YUVI is a match winner whereas Vijay is not in that mould by any stretch of wile imagination. Ishant is okey for Sunrisers in IPL. Is it because his partner at the other end was Steyn.

on May 4, 2013, 15:52 GMT

This is balanced team... one off spinner, one legspinner, two medium pace swinger, two fast bowler, one pace & one spin all rounder... very good selection

agarkarno1
on May 4, 2013, 15:42 GMT

Dropping Shami Ahmed for Vinay Kumar is a ridiculous selection. Cleary bias and favoratism shown here. Shami and Bhuvi bowled very well against England, now this is why we are not able to form a formiddable bowling attack. Not grooming a fast bowler though he has shown good potential...! He doesnt leak runs and a far better player than Vinay Kumar

UnwedUnfed
on May 4, 2013, 15:25 GMT

The selectors have, as usual, completely failed to match the players to the conditions. Raina and Rohit Sharma are going to be basically walking wickets in English conditions. They've always been bunnies in bowler-friendly conditions and the IPL isn't exactly improving their technique.

akashchandran
on May 4, 2013, 15:23 GMT

Three matches against South Africa, Pakistan and West Indies in seaming conditions. No idea who is going to open in the first match. Rohit, Dhawan, Vijay, Karthik? Except for Dhoni, Raina and Ashwin none sure to play the first match. Players like Ajinkya Rahane, Shami Ahmed and Ashok Dinda should understand that when you are not a favoured player you have to make immediate use of the very few opportunities given.

ninad008
on May 4, 2013, 15:01 GMT

The selection of Vinay Kumar ahead of Praveen Kumar may well have to do with the disciplinary issues surrounding the latter.

30-30-150
on May 4, 2013, 14:40 GMT

How is Vijay picked in the national squad when he can't make it to the playing XI of the Chennai Super Kings?? Not convinced with Vinay Kumar's selection either. Should have instead been Praveen Kumar or Parvinder Awana who are doing well on those seaming Mohali wickets.

Best part about this squad is: No Sehwag, no Gambhir, no Yuvraj, no Harbhajan, no Zaheer :)

IlMagnifico
on May 4, 2013, 14:34 GMT

Vijay plays for CSK. You clowns should get it through you thick skulls that playing for CSK = automatic selection into Indian team.

When are you going to learn?!

on May 4, 2013, 14:23 GMT

Its a fair team, except Rahane should be given more chance.. Rohit Sharma yet again?? Irfan is always a better all rounder.. and his swing will be really great in England..

GreenDeviln
on May 4, 2013, 14:21 GMT

I don't understand what problem does this Dhoni have with Gambhir. Everyone knows how well he performs in these big ICC events. Do I need to mention '07, '11 WC finals? And Vinay ahead of Praveen? Vinay doesn't even know 'S' of swing, one wonders what he would do in those English conditions. Finally the fantasy of BCCI for a leg spinner. Looks like Indian cricket is now only fantasy, politics, entertainment, etc, etc but cricket.

ROCK4cricket
on May 4, 2013, 14:20 GMT

omg, again the same mistake..... when does our indian selectors learn 2 select a team 4 sum series abroad???? may b this time i'll watch CT 4 shikar only. dont understand y vijay, rohit, jadeja are in. The first debacle is vijay n rohit, same thing happened after ipl last year, selected rohit 4 almost all series till dis ipl but no result. vijays case is more worse. coming 2 sir RJ, even classy players like raina couldn't make things fair in england, where jadeja will cum through?? dont forget vinay kumar. i still remember our last series in england... i think it'll b more worse than that this time. i strongly feel that they should have gone 4 rahane, yuvi, shami, praveen instead of vijay, jadeja, rohit n vinay.

Siva_samcric
on May 4, 2013, 14:14 GMT

As of me the team looks perfect & balanced...i was surprised by yuvraj's exclusion but not a bad idea where he wont get much assistance with ball either...brave decision by selectors.

on May 4, 2013, 14:13 GMT

I am still surprised to see Rohit Sharma being given such a long rope. It is grossly unfair to drop Rahane especially after his scintillating form the last time India toured England & Yuvraj would have certainly lent balance to the team in the form of a sixth bowler if any of the top five had a bad day. I would have definitely chosen Rahane and Yuvraj ahead of Vijay & Rohit. I am not a big fan of Sir Jadeja but the way he has performed consistently-he merits a chance.
Good to see selectors rewarding Karthik for consistent performance.

Playing Pathan only because he beefs up the batting..and when you have names like Rohit & Vijay in the side, you better need it. As for Rohit and Vijay it only makes sense to select the lesser devil out of the two. Atleast Rohit can field better! I somehow feel we're going to sorely miss Yuvraj in the middle.

on May 4, 2013, 14:09 GMT

Again Rohit common yaar how many more opportunities this gentleman can get, he is only good in nets and IPL. On the other hand praveen would have been selected in place of Vinay he had lot consistency issues.

on May 4, 2013, 14:06 GMT

I think there are some positive steps by the selection committee, but some fairly contentious issues.
1. Yuvraj Singh - How can IPL be a yardstick for 50 over game? Also, Yuvraj's performance post cancer have not been satisfactory, but unlike Rohit Sharma he has earned another chance.
2. Rohit Sharma - Great Talent, but better off in the Test Arena. He hasn't taken his chances yet, so should dropped from ODI. But, given his Ranji performance, deserves a chance in Whites.
3. Murali Vijay - I am sitting on the fence with this one. Could have been Ajinkya instead of him, but pretty close.
4. Ajinkya Rahane - See above
5. Amit Mishra - Should not be in the team. Will not be used in June in England and nor is he a long term ODI prospect. Could have been replaced by a Batsman (Yuvraj)
6. Pujara - Definitely a long term prospect, so unless he has an injury, his exclusion is perplexing.

So, all in all - positive, just 2 changes should have been made - Yuvi for Mishra, Pujara for Rohit.

on May 4, 2013, 14:03 GMT

Who cares who is brought in for whom?We already have players like Kohli,Raina,Dhoni which makes the strongest middle order.Even Rohit Sharma is very talented and he is much better than overrated batsman of other countries.We Have allrounders like Ashwin and Jadeja who batted well there last time.Even Irfan Pathan
can bat in these conditions.
Bowling has a lot of variations.We have bowlers who can swing,who can deliever full and fast at death,who can bowl yorkers at death and also the spinners who can contain in middle overs.
Shikahr Dhawan is in great touch and only thing we have to watch that wheter he can adjust to those seaming contions.Murali Vijay and Dinesh Karthik are very good batsmen.
Do you know wheter VIjay can bat in those conditions or not?Nobody knows and we won't know until he is given chance.You have to play minimum and three matches and minimum three matches must be provided to any cricketer to justify hsi talent.So why gambhir should have been selected?

yorkerboy
on May 4, 2013, 13:44 GMT

If Dhawan s picked to ODI coz of one 187 in test & 2 50's in IPL, why not vijay in #ct13 ? He made 2 150's in test & 1 50! if u say Vijay's odi record is poor..? Dhawan -5 ODI's @ 13.80- 1 50, Last game in June 2011. Can u tell me whats the difference between Vijay & Dhawan stats? Vijay's selection s based on test performance and so dhawan's too..! so its a fair selection

IndCricFan2013
on May 4, 2013, 13:44 GMT

I beg to differ. It is one of the finest selections made in the past several years. We should remember that it is a 50 over format, hence the selection of M.Vijay and Amit Mishra is fine. 50 over format does not require slog and bang approach of T20 and it requires lot of skills to construct innings and then carry on. Shikhar Dhawan and M.Vijay can complement each other. Both can do stroke filled fast innings as well as a sedate innings. This is good thing and this is the way to move forward. Mishra selection is a reward for his performance and there is nothing wrong in having an additional spinner. Ashwin plays all formats and some times not effective, we need to be preferred give him a break and play a surprise factor in Mishra. Let us give the time and respect to the selectors. They will prove to be right.

cric131
on May 4, 2013, 13:42 GMT

It makes sense to have Vijay as the opener in England considering the tour to SA to come. He needs to have as much exposure to swinging conditions as possible to enable him to be ready for that test series. It is good that the selectors are showing faith in a new set of openers for a change. Good luck to Vijay and Dhawan!

SachinRao
on May 4, 2013, 13:38 GMT

rayudu and praveen kumar shd have come in T team in place of vijay and vinay/irfan. murali vijay is a blessed soul indeed.

kingcobra85
on May 4, 2013, 13:32 GMT

Too hard on Vijay. Every Indian batsmen scores on Indian pitches because Indian domestic tournaments are held in India. So ROHIT sharma's selection doesnt bother you much is it ?

RogerC
on May 4, 2013, 13:21 GMT

Very good selection. This committee gives hope. I wish they will be bold enough to drop Sachin from the test team.

TheGuruji
on May 4, 2013, 13:17 GMT

I don't understand the logic here. If the top-scorer among both sides in India's most recent international engagement is not an automatic choice, then who is? Dhawan with only 1 innings to show is a "certainty", whereas Vijay who notched up consistent scores in the series, is not? On the one hand, IPL is mickey mouse cricket, and on the other hand, if you don't do well in IPL, you don't qualify for other formats of the game?

vikart
on May 4, 2013, 13:17 GMT

Yes Vijay selection is debatable, but looks like selectors had gone with an idea to give the team some practice on seamer-friendly conditions before the high profile test series against SA. You can see that at least 10 of these 15 will still be part of SA test series. if that's the case it make sense in giving a chance for to Vijay, because he is absolute certainty at least for the first 2 test against SA

on May 4, 2013, 13:13 GMT

i think in england condition rahene is more effective then murli vijay&in place of jadeja they shoud pick up gambir in england there is no spin jadu

on May 4, 2013, 13:10 GMT

Don't understand the hype about Mishra getting a chance. He's done decently well in the IPL but does that earn an ODI recall? I don't think so. Further, i bet he won't even get a match as Ashwin is the first choice spinner with the support of Jadeja. Selectors have been short sighted as i definitely see Yuvi an integral part of the 2015 WC, and he hasn't had an extended run in ODIs since his comeback. Shami Ahmed has been dropped after a decent outing against Pak & Eng. Quite a sorry situation, that IPL holds so much weightage and selectors have been making the same mistake time and again.

krishkrish
on May 4, 2013, 13:06 GMT

I m surprised to see this 11 . Definitely we(India) have 0% chance to with champions trophy.So we need to prepare for next test series -- South Africa tour.
Hence vijay is selected here...

InsideHedge
on May 4, 2013, 13:04 GMT

I just hope the team spirit is good - good chance as Gambhir & Sehwag are missing - and they perform to their abilities. Otherwise, we'll see the usual criticism of "tigers at home, lambs abroad".

Shahed.Akhtar
on May 4, 2013, 12:55 GMT

No, Mishra is a good choice. Bowling is not India's forte - so if we back ourselves to pile up runs by dozens or chase down any total, then it is a question of giving away 50 runs and getting 1-2 wkts, so then why not Mishra? Vijay - I guess, he's lucky to be in. Dhawan/ Vijay, Karthik, Kohli, Raina, Rohit, Dhoni, Jadeja, Ashwin, Ishant, B.Kumar/ Irfan, Vinay/ A. Mishra - that would be the starting line up. Irfan, Vijay and Mishra to do the drinks duty for the first couple of games I guess.

Yellappa
on May 4, 2013, 12:53 GMT

Yuvraj should've been there. He revels in tough situations. A clean hitter of the ball, a class fielder, and he bowls too - better than a lot of our regulars.

I would've considered Praveen Kumar, considering the conditions in England, ahead of Vinay Kumar or even Irfan, who hasn't set the stage ablaze yet. Definitely not Amit Mishra in England. Conditions there are more suited for swing bowlers. We have Ashwin and Jadeja already.

Not sure why they keep taking Rohit. He has proved time and again that he is not a big-match player. Again, I feel Yuvraj would've been better. I hope Rayudu is at least in the reserves. He needs a look in at some point.

YogifromNY
on May 4, 2013, 12:51 GMT

Great job by selectors. Sandip Patil's shown that he is bold in life as he was in his batting. Unlike the panel headed by Kris Srikkanth, which was a total joke, this panel is actually thinking short AND long term.

on May 4, 2013, 12:47 GMT

Rohit Sharma, who's entire career has been a story of serious inconsistencies, has been the luckiest of the lot, he has been saved by just the one knock against England. Interesting to see Dhoni's approach with the opening combination. Shikhar Dhawan is very much likely to start, but it remains to be seen whether Vijay or Rohit Sharma will be partnering him up front, Sharma's last couple of chances came at the top.

junk22yard
on May 4, 2013, 12:47 GMT

I feel rahane must be there to respect his technique in trying conditions at England.
Vijay cant be a right choice at all. Dhawan is better . jadeja can fit in indian conditions flat and spinny conditions. Only thing he can do is field and stop runs.
Apart from that pathan gives a good choice for england pitches but his pace came down from 130 to 110s which makes him unfit for an allrounder...
7 batsmen in team .. only rohit or dhawan can sustain swinging balls ... dhoni can make it with his confidence rather than with his batting skills...
Samson should be there for back up keeper...

hope no batsman get injured ...

on May 4, 2013, 12:46 GMT

There have been barrage of criticism in the cricinfo page flagging vijay's selection for the champion's trophy.It's necessary to remember that vijay is a cricketer who can come good when situation demands the most and we have seen glimpses of it during the border-Gavaskar trophy this year and also the last time when australia played the test series in India(as Gambhir's replacement).
The fact also remains that Vijay comes good with batting at the end stages of IPL(if selected). So lets hope that he carries forward the good run in IPL to champions league.
One thing that still worries me though is the exclusion of Yuvraj from the squad.He had the reputation of being a consistent match winner.I am sure that the most happiest people would the English team(surely broad),whose burden of bowling to the southpaw is no more.

CricketpunditUSA
on May 4, 2013, 12:44 GMT

Vijay is the opener of choice for the future. Enough chances should be given to him to groom him further. If Dhawan is an automatic choice based on one knock, why would you knock Vijay's head??! Illogical argument. A leg spinner provides balance and helps in the nets in the worst case. Excellent selection. Karthik is a tad lucky to get a call. But he will be the first choice WK for many of the nations except for a couple at the current conditions.

Patidar_Rajesh
on May 4, 2013, 12:43 GMT

All Good ...But instead of Vijay ...they could have prefer Yuvraj to give one more chance and open with Dhavan and Rohit ...

on May 4, 2013, 12:36 GMT

I think another strong point going in favour of Mishra is great improvement in batting gives more dimension to his selection.

henchart
on May 4, 2013, 12:32 GMT

Any which way you see ,these guys are going to be exposed on English pitches with no Tendulkar and Dravid .in fact presence of these two worthies along with Gambhir and Yuvraj could fetch precious little for Indians when it came to England 2011.And please let us not talk about Yuvraj's knock in Lord's 2002 which was aeons ago.Karthik,Dhawan and Raina could get exposed against moving ball as the games are all day ones in league stage.Roach,Steyn,Morkel,Junaid,Gul on English pitches are going to be different kettle of fish .MSD and co. are going to find that out pretty soon.

This is the most balanced side judging by current IPL form, as well as domestic One dayers,
And i'd like to have Yuvraj in the team instead of Sir Jadeja, but then its the selectors call :/

and i'd prefer karthik over M.Vijay in this team cause he has been in some excellent form lately, and deserves his chance of an international recall!
Hope India wins the Champions Trophy :)
All the best

Batmanindallas
on May 4, 2013, 12:20 GMT

We can crib about a selection or two but this is one of the most bold selections done by Indian selectors in a long long time. As for Vijay and being exposed abroad, I think the selectors have given him gauntlet. If Vijay does not perform I have faith in these group of wise men that he will be out before we can say PATIL.
Yuvraj and Gambhir have been mediocore for awhile, the indian fans one can never please them. They expect people to dropped and then get sentimental when they are dropped because x or y was so good in past....Good Job Mr.Patil and company...such a breathe of frest air compared to what we had with Srikanth

on May 5, 2013, 3:01 GMT

Pretty happy with the team selectors have picked for the Champions Trophy. I thought Praveen Kumar had a good chance of making it.He is someone who swings the ball and in English conditions he would have been very handy.Also he was India's best bowler when we were in England almost two years back.It would have been a real treat to watch Praveen and Bhuvneshwar bowl in tandem in England.Dropping Yuvraj and Gambhir was the right decision, Yuvi hasn't done much in one day cricket for India since his comeback.Gambhir has been in woeful form even in the IPL. Happy at the inclusion of DK as well.Sandeep Patil and Co have done a good job, taken the brave call of dropping experienced senior players and giving someone else a chance.Well done!

rdr_1019
on May 4, 2013, 12:34 GMT

I don't think so. Vijay would never be a replacement for Yuvraj, Gambhir, or Rahane. Good team except for the selectors dropping Yuvraj. They should have kept Yuvi in middle order and let Karthik open along with Dhawan. Looking at IPL, Karthik has been batting at No. 3 and he has done superb so far. My XI would have been: Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Irfan Pathan, R Ashwin, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, and Umesh Yadav. Since Yuvi is not there, I still hope India don't play Vijay and opt for Rohit Sharma in the middle order instead.

Batmanindallas
on May 4, 2013, 12:20 GMT

We can crib about a selection or two but this is one of the most bold selections done by Indian selectors in a long long time. As for Vijay and being exposed abroad, I think the selectors have given him gauntlet. If Vijay does not perform I have faith in these group of wise men that he will be out before we can say PATIL.
Yuvraj and Gambhir have been mediocore for awhile, the indian fans one can never please them. They expect people to dropped and then get sentimental when they are dropped because x or y was so good in past....Good Job Mr.Patil and company...such a breathe of frest air compared to what we had with Srikanth

This is the most balanced side judging by current IPL form, as well as domestic One dayers,
And i'd like to have Yuvraj in the team instead of Sir Jadeja, but then its the selectors call :/

and i'd prefer karthik over M.Vijay in this team cause he has been in some excellent form lately, and deserves his chance of an international recall!
Hope India wins the Champions Trophy :)
All the best

Any which way you see ,these guys are going to be exposed on English pitches with no Tendulkar and Dravid .in fact presence of these two worthies along with Gambhir and Yuvraj could fetch precious little for Indians when it came to England 2011.And please let us not talk about Yuvraj's knock in Lord's 2002 which was aeons ago.Karthik,Dhawan and Raina could get exposed against moving ball as the games are all day ones in league stage.Roach,Steyn,Morkel,Junaid,Gul on English pitches are going to be different kettle of fish .MSD and co. are going to find that out pretty soon.

on May 4, 2013, 12:36 GMT

I think another strong point going in favour of Mishra is great improvement in batting gives more dimension to his selection.

Patidar_Rajesh
on May 4, 2013, 12:43 GMT

All Good ...But instead of Vijay ...they could have prefer Yuvraj to give one more chance and open with Dhavan and Rohit ...

CricketpunditUSA
on May 4, 2013, 12:44 GMT

Vijay is the opener of choice for the future. Enough chances should be given to him to groom him further. If Dhawan is an automatic choice based on one knock, why would you knock Vijay's head??! Illogical argument. A leg spinner provides balance and helps in the nets in the worst case. Excellent selection. Karthik is a tad lucky to get a call. But he will be the first choice WK for many of the nations except for a couple at the current conditions.

on May 4, 2013, 12:46 GMT

There have been barrage of criticism in the cricinfo page flagging vijay's selection for the champion's trophy.It's necessary to remember that vijay is a cricketer who can come good when situation demands the most and we have seen glimpses of it during the border-Gavaskar trophy this year and also the last time when australia played the test series in India(as Gambhir's replacement).
The fact also remains that Vijay comes good with batting at the end stages of IPL(if selected). So lets hope that he carries forward the good run in IPL to champions league.
One thing that still worries me though is the exclusion of Yuvraj from the squad.He had the reputation of being a consistent match winner.I am sure that the most happiest people would the English team(surely broad),whose burden of bowling to the southpaw is no more.

junk22yard
on May 4, 2013, 12:47 GMT

I feel rahane must be there to respect his technique in trying conditions at England.
Vijay cant be a right choice at all. Dhawan is better . jadeja can fit in indian conditions flat and spinny conditions. Only thing he can do is field and stop runs.
Apart from that pathan gives a good choice for england pitches but his pace came down from 130 to 110s which makes him unfit for an allrounder...
7 batsmen in team .. only rohit or dhawan can sustain swinging balls ... dhoni can make it with his confidence rather than with his batting skills...
Samson should be there for back up keeper...

hope no batsman get injured ...

on May 4, 2013, 12:47 GMT

Rohit Sharma, who's entire career has been a story of serious inconsistencies, has been the luckiest of the lot, he has been saved by just the one knock against England. Interesting to see Dhoni's approach with the opening combination. Shikhar Dhawan is very much likely to start, but it remains to be seen whether Vijay or Rohit Sharma will be partnering him up front, Sharma's last couple of chances came at the top.